Used Citroen C3 Picasso for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 51.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 120
Average Price: Around £5,000

Citroen C3 Picasso (2009-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Good looking for a mini-MPV	Reliability can be an issue, especially with the diesels
Spacious and versatile interior	You'll be lucky to get near the official economy figures
Comfortable to travel in, easy to drive	The EGS gearbox is jerky

Quick Summary

The Citroen C3 Picasso (2009-2017) is a distinctive mini-MPV that cleverly maximises interior volume within a supermini-sized footprint. Its tall body and versatile design create class-leading cabin and boot space, offering up to 500 litres with the sliding rear seat forward, surpassing even a VW Golf. While not dynamically exciting, it prioritises comfort and ease of driving, with a soft ride and light steering making it ideal for urban use. Engine options include 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols, a later 1.2-litre Puretech turbo, and 1.6-litre HDi diesels.

Available in VT, VTR+, and Exclusive trims, key features like air-conditioning become standard from VTR+ upwards. Running costs are generally reasonable, with long service intervals for petrol models. Despite official fuel economy figures often proving optimistic in real-world driving, the C3 Picasso remains an economical choice. Overall, it's a well-made, stylish, and highly practical family car, lauded for its packaging and comfortable ride, though potential reliability issues with diesels should be noted.

Best for: Families needing space, practicality, and versatility in a compact footprint; drivers prioritising comfort and ease of driving over dynamic performance; those looking for a car with individual style.

Not ideal for: Buyers sensitive to potential reliability issues (especially diesels); those who expect official fuel economy figures in real-world driving; drivers prioritising sporty handling and minimal body roll.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C3 Picasso if: You're a family needing space, practicality, and versatility in a compact footprint; you prioritise comfort and ease of driving; or you appreciate a car with individual style.

Consider alternatives if: You are sensitive to potential reliability issues (especially diesels); you expect official fuel economy figures to be met in real-world driving; or you prioritise sporty handling and minimal body roll.

Competitive Position: The Citroen C3 Picasso is a strong contender in the mini-MPV segment, offering exceptional interior space, versatility, and distinctive style within a supermini-sized footprint. While it may not offer the dynamic driving thrills of some rivals, its focus on comfort and practicality makes it a sensible and charismatic choice. Its high user rating and good value for money position it well against competitors like the Ford B-Max and Nissan Note, especially for buyers prioritising spaciousness and a unique design over outright driving performance or absolute fuel economy accuracy.

Read our full Citroen C3 Picasso Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from February 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.